Introduce
Malabar Biryani is an experience, not food. Delicate flavors, intricate methods of cooking—this rice dish is very dear to Kerala and beyond. Characterized by the usage of fragrant Basmati rice, tender meat, and unique spice mixtures, it evokes memory by taste in every way in this rice dish. This shall be immense help in mastering the art of cooking Malabar Biryani to create the magic of South India upon your dining table.
Ingredients Needed
For the Marinade
Meat 500 gm cut into pieces Chicken or Mutton
Yogurt 1 cup
Ginger-Garlic Paste 2 tbsps
Red Chilli Powder 1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala 1 tsp
Lemon Juice 1 tbsp
Salt To taste
For Rice
Basmati Rice 2 cups
Water 4 cups
Whole spices A few Cloves, Cardamom, Bay Leaves
Salt To taste
For Biryani
Onions 2 large sliced
Tomatoes 2 large chopped
Green Chilies 2 slit
Coriander Powder 1 tbsp
Mint Leaves 1/2 cup chopped
Coriander Leaves: 1/2 cup, chopped
Biryani Masala: 1 tablespoon
Ghee: 2 tablespoons
Oil: 2 tablespoons
For Garnishing
Fried Onions: 1/2 cup
Boiled Eggs: 4, halved
Chopped Mint and Coriander Leaves: A handful
Saffron Milk: 2 tablespoons, optional
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Marinating of Meat
Take a.
Add pieces of meat into it and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even better overnight.
Step 2: Rice preparation
Wash the basmati rice till the water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes.
In a big pot boil water. Add whole spices and salt.
Add soaked rice and cook it till it is 70% done. Drain and set aside.
Stage 3: Preparing the Base of Biryani.
Heat oil and ghee in a big pan or cooker. Slice onions and sauté them till they turn golden brown. Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes. Now cook the tomatoes till they get soft. Add coriander powder, biryani masala, and salt. Cook till the oil leaves from the mixture. Now add the marinated meat and let it cook on medium heat until the meat becomes tender and it is well-cooked. This would take about 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Layering of Biryani
Take a little of the cooked meat mixture to form a layer at the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
Above the meat, spread a layer of partially cooked rice. Sprinkle some mint leaves, coriander leaves, and a few fried onions.
Step 4: Layering
Repeat step 3 till all the rice and meat is used.
If using saffron milk drizzle a little over the top layer of rice.
Step 5: Cooking of Biryani
The pan is covered with a tightly fitting lid or with aluminium foil. No steam should be allowed out.
Now, cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes so that everything combines together. This is called ‘dum cooking’.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.
Serving Suggestions
Malabar Biryani goes well with the following side dishes:
Raita: A cool side made with yoghurt.
Salad: Fresh Vegetable Salad, crunchy
Pickles: Spicy pickles to enhance the flavours
Boiled Eggs: Cut into halves and decorate the top of biryani
Tips for Perfect Malabar Biryani
Avoid Overcooking of Rice: The rice has to be only 70% cooked before layering.
Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will bring out a better flavour of biryani.
But the spices have to be adjusted without breaking the balance of flavours.
This pan would be tight closed and no steam from inside is allowed to come out thus it cooks dum to perfection.
Conclusion:
Nothing comes close to the excitement of whipping up some Malabar Biryani at home. With the right kind of ingredients and techniques, you could easily whip up a fragrant and flavorful biryani that is sure to mesmerize. Follow through with this step-by-step guide, and you will be relishing the rich flavors that Malabar Biryani has in store in no time.
